VISAS
Most Business travellers to PNG require a business visa. It gnerally costs about (US$170)K500. They are valid for a year, for individual visits of up to 60 days at a time.
GETTING TO PNG
Air Niugini has direct flights from Port Moresby to Brisbane, Honiara, Cains, Manila & Singapore () Airlines PNG now in partnership with Virgin Blue flies ti Brisbane and Cairns (0. Both airlines have online booking systems.
GETTING AROUND
As a rule in PNG you ned to plan your travel carefully. Taxis Normal taxis are dirty and not considered particularly safe. If you do catch a regular cab, make sure you negotiate the fare before you depart! In Port Moresby, you are much better off calling one of these two premium services: Red Dot (tel 311 3257) or Scarlet Taxis ( 323 4266).
Car Hire: deal with one of the international names and ask to provide a driver. With poor state of roads, large vehicles are common place.
Avis +675 324 9400, Hertz + 675 302 6822, Thrifty + 675 325 5550.
Airport transfers: Upon arrival/departure in Port Moresby, any of the hotels listed in this section will provide a complimentary transfer. In Lae, the Guard Dog security firm runs shuttle bus servcies to and from the city which can be charged back to your hotel.
GETTING AROUND PNG
Leaving Port Moresby on businsess usually means getting an internal flight. There are regular services to Lae, the other major business centre. The price of domestic fares has dropped significantly in recent times and the earlier you book the better. Air Niugini now offers passengers the chance to book online but make sure you print out a copy of your receipt to show at the check-in counter as e-tickets are a recent phenomenon in PNG. The domestic terminal at Port Moresby's Jackson's Airport can be chaotic, so be prepared.
CLIMATE
With the exceptions of the Highlands, PNG has tropical climate. The wet season in Port Moresby is from December to April.
TIME ZONE
PNG has a single time zone, 10 hours ahead of UTC/GMT (i.e. the same time as Brisbane).
MONEY
The currency is the kina, There are ATM macjines at the International airport and also a bureau de change where you can obtain local currency using your credit card,as you can at most hotels. There are ATMs located around Port Moresby, LAe and other centres.
ELECTRICITY
The current in PNG is 240V AC 50Hz using Australian style plugs.
SAFETY
PNG does a have reputation but things are nothing like as bad as portrayed in the overseas medi. If you take sensible precautions, you are unlikely to experience any trouble whatsoever.
HEALTH
In theory ther is malaria risk in Port Moresby although most expats based there do not take anti-malaria medication. If you are leaving urban ares, however, you should seek medical advice on this. In any case, bring strong repellent and use liberally if outdoors at night. When visiting PNG, it is imperative that you have comprehensive health cover.
COMMUNICATION
Internet: In Port Moresby at least things have improve there wireless and broad band technolgy now in internet cafes and certain hotels in Port Moresby and other major centres. Dial-up services are also used in some centres.
Mobile: Telikom PNG operates BMobile and the new entrant to the market Digicel also operates in PNG.
Landlines: Service is improving in this area; rates for domestic calls at least are not too high, but overseas calls are a bit expensive.
PORT MORESBY
Where to stay - Airways Hotel + 675 324 5200
Considered by many to be the best hotel in PNG, Airways Hotel is contained within a large compound next to the main airport,15 minutes from the CBD. there are three levels of hotel accommodation, including the luxurious Orhid Rooms and a wide range of facilities and dining options
Crowne Plaza + 675 309 3329
Offers luxury rooms and suites in the heart of the CBD. Modern gym, undercover parking, cafe and Mediterranean restaurant.
Holiday Inn + 675 303 2000
Located in the government district of Waigani, also offers luxury rooms and suites.
Ela Beach Hotel and Whittaker Apartments . The hotel has been renovated and now offers a servcied apartment option. The Ela Beach area is on the fringed of the CBD.
EATING,DRINKING SOCIALISING.
Asia Aromas: In the Staemships arcade, CBD. A Port Moresby institution serving execellent Thai and Chinese food, washed down with Australasian wines. You may need to make a reservation at lunch time.
Ichizen: in the Steamships arcade, CBD. Japanese restaurant serving excellent local sushi and teppanyaji.
Pallazo: this smart new Italian restaurant at the Lamana Hotel, Waigani, is receiving positive reviews. After dinner here, call into the slick Gold Club next door, the place to go at the weekend.
Royal Papua Yatch Club: Relaxed, spacious and open to non-members. Comfort food of a good standard and an open-plan bar area showing sport on large screens. Shirts need collar after 6 pm.
Cafe/snacks: Port Moresby. or 'Town'lacks street cafes, a symptom of the security situation. However, the Expresso Bar is hidden away behind the foyer of the Deloitte building (Douglas St). It is handy for a snack lunch if you are in the CBD, as is the cafe at the Crowne Plaza.
Bars: Among the expat community, alot of socialising is done at people's houses and at private clubs. However, popular bars include Pondo Tavern at the Crowne Palza, Ozzie bar at the Ela Beach Hotel and the Junction Tavern (Holiday Inn). Other than the Yatch Club above, the Golf Club and Port Moresby Country Club are popular meeting places.
Supermarket: Most expats go to the comparatively well-stocked Boroko Food World. Anderson's is another option, located just outside CBD.
THINGS TO DO AROUND PORT MORESBY
Botanical Gardens, Waigani: This is worth a visit even if you have an hour to spare. Follow the broadwalk trail through the jungle and see wild orchids and displays of wildlife including the iconic tree kangaroo and casowary.
Loloata Island Resort:
A small resort in the Bootless Bay, 20km from Port Moresby. A comfortable day trip (transfers provided), or you can stay overnight. Offers diving, snorkelling, fishing.
Port Moresby Golf Club, Waigani A round of this well-maintained course, next to Parliament Haus, cost about K100 (US$34) and clubs can be hired.
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